Access to health is a human right

Access to essential drugs is part of the human right to health. Access to essential drugs depends on: (1) rational selection and use of medicines (2) sustainable adequate financing (3) affordable prices and (4) reliable health and supply systems. Since most poor people in developing countries currently pay for health care, including drugs, out of their own pockets, access to medicines is particularly sensitive to cost. Governments, the UN family, the private sector and civil society each have vital roles and responsibilities in achieving universal access to essential drugs. (See Box 5.)